Definition
只怕 is a fixed expression with two common uses. Literally it means 'only fear' (只 'only' + 怕 'fear'), used to single out one concern. More often it functions as an epistemic adverb meaning 'very likely' or 'I'm afraid that...', expressing a worried or cautious prediction about something negative. It usually appears at the beginning of the second clause, after a comma or pause.
v.p.
(only) fear (used to single out the only concern)(expressing probability) I'm afraid that...very likely
Examples
- ，只怕。Tā shénme dōu bú pà, zhī kǎoshì.He fears nothing except exams.
- ，只怕。Zhème wǎn le, tā zhī yǐjīng zǒu le.It's so late; I'm afraid he has already left.
- ，只怕。Nǐ zhèyàng zuò, zhī huì rě máfan.If you do this, you'll likely cause trouble.
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